Pittsburgh Penguins - 7/1
Boston Bruins - 15/2
Chicago Blackhawks - 9/1
Philadelphia Flyers - 9/1
Vancouver Canucks - 9/1
San Jose Sharks - 11/1
Detroit Red Wings - 12/1
Washington Capitals - 15/1
New York Rangers - 16/1
Los Angeles Kings - 20/1
Minnesota Wild - 20/1
St. Louis Blues - 22/1
Dallas Stars - 28/1
Buffalo Sabres - 30/1
Florida Panthers - 30/1
Nashville Predators - 30/1
Toronto Maple Leafs - 35/1
Montreal Canadiens - 40/1
New Jersey Devils - 40/1
Phoenix Coyotes - 40/1
Tampa Bay Lightning - 40/1
Edmonton Oilers - 50/1
Calgary Flames - 75/1
Colorado Avalanche - 75/1
Winnipeg Jets - 75/1
Ottawa Senators - 90/1
Anaheim Ducks - 100/1
Carolina Hurricanes - 200/1
New York Islanders - 300/1
Columbus Blue Jackets - 500/1
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
Equality by Eric
This is a message from my friend Eric.
David and I will celebrate 28 years together in January. We have bought houses, enjoyed family, buried loved ones, had good times, endured bad times, gone on vacation, have great friends, support the arts, pay our taxes, volunteer...but haven't been on a reality show that results in the "winner" marrying someone, we don't go to Vegas and marry someone for 55 hours, we don't get corporate sponsors for a wedding /media stunt. We aren't the ones who are ending the sanctity of marriage. That's not what we want. We just want what is fair and equal. No political message. Just what's fair. It's time.
David and I will celebrate 28 years together in January. We have bought houses, enjoyed family, buried loved ones, had good times, endured bad times, gone on vacation, have great friends, support the arts, pay our taxes, volunteer...but haven't been on a reality show that results in the "winner" marrying someone, we don't go to Vegas and marry someone for 55 hours, we don't get corporate sponsors for a wedding /media stunt. We aren't the ones who are ending the sanctity of marriage. That's not what we want. We just want what is fair and equal. No political message. Just what's fair. It's time.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
My Wayne Gretzky Experience
Seeing a tweet today from Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski)about wanting to smoke a cigar with Wayne Gretzky before he dies reminded me about an experience I had with Wayne back in 2006.
I received an email from the Phoenix Coyotes back during the 2006-2007 season about an upcoming charity lunch with the team. All proceeds from the event were to go to charity so I looked at the options that were available.
You could buy an entire table for 10 at $1000 and a player or coach from the team would be at the table. You could pay $100 for just a seat at a random table or you could pay $1000 for the ability to sit with then head coach, Wayne Gretzky.
I was earning quite a bit of money back then so I decided to go for it and sit at Wayne's table. It seemed like a once in a lifetime experience and I did not want to pass it up.
Since he was the coach of the Coyotes at the time, I did not realize what a privilege it is to have this opportunity. Someone told me once that there is a prize in the Canadian Lottery that is a meal with the Great One. I was really young when he was playing so I was not educated on how amazing a player he was.
So I get there as soon as the doors open to the arena and head down to the covered ice. The Gretzky table stood out among the others as it was beautifully decorated and all but one chair has a Gretzky Coyotes jersey on it. I hurried over to the table and grabbed one of the seats next to the one without a jersey hoping he was going to sit there. The other people that paid to sit with Wayne started to sit down and I was surprised to hear a few of them actually flew in just for this opportunity. They were floored that they could pay $1000 to charity and were able to have a lunch with Wayne.
The entire team was introduced and then came to sit down. When Wayne sat he introduced himself and asked us all of our names. We all had a jersey, puck, hockey card, and hat at our places and he broke the ice and asked if he could sign our stuff. He was very good at talking to each of us on a personal level and it was great to see how down to earth he is.
Darren Pang was talking at the podium about the team and as soon as he was finished at least half of everyone else that was there got up from their table and came over to our table so Wayne could sign items for them. This is the part that made the experience amazing. Wayne obviously knew what we all paid to be at his table so when the other 200 people were coming up to him, he was polite and said hi, but he continued to focus all of his attention on us at his table. It really is cool to see how fast he can sign his name without looking. He was very nice and seemed genuinely interested in every single one of us.
One sad part is when every single person sitting at Georges Laraque's table got up at the same time to go wait in line and he was stuck there sitting by himself.
Looking back I think I took for granted that the greatest hockey player of all time was the coach and the fans had access to him. Even though I thought he was a terrible coach, he was a great player.
I had the jersey framed and it is still hanging in my living room.
I received an email from the Phoenix Coyotes back during the 2006-2007 season about an upcoming charity lunch with the team. All proceeds from the event were to go to charity so I looked at the options that were available.
You could buy an entire table for 10 at $1000 and a player or coach from the team would be at the table. You could pay $100 for just a seat at a random table or you could pay $1000 for the ability to sit with then head coach, Wayne Gretzky.
I was earning quite a bit of money back then so I decided to go for it and sit at Wayne's table. It seemed like a once in a lifetime experience and I did not want to pass it up.
Since he was the coach of the Coyotes at the time, I did not realize what a privilege it is to have this opportunity. Someone told me once that there is a prize in the Canadian Lottery that is a meal with the Great One. I was really young when he was playing so I was not educated on how amazing a player he was.
So I get there as soon as the doors open to the arena and head down to the covered ice. The Gretzky table stood out among the others as it was beautifully decorated and all but one chair has a Gretzky Coyotes jersey on it. I hurried over to the table and grabbed one of the seats next to the one without a jersey hoping he was going to sit there. The other people that paid to sit with Wayne started to sit down and I was surprised to hear a few of them actually flew in just for this opportunity. They were floored that they could pay $1000 to charity and were able to have a lunch with Wayne.
The entire team was introduced and then came to sit down. When Wayne sat he introduced himself and asked us all of our names. We all had a jersey, puck, hockey card, and hat at our places and he broke the ice and asked if he could sign our stuff. He was very good at talking to each of us on a personal level and it was great to see how down to earth he is.
Darren Pang was talking at the podium about the team and as soon as he was finished at least half of everyone else that was there got up from their table and came over to our table so Wayne could sign items for them. This is the part that made the experience amazing. Wayne obviously knew what we all paid to be at his table so when the other 200 people were coming up to him, he was polite and said hi, but he continued to focus all of his attention on us at his table. It really is cool to see how fast he can sign his name without looking. He was very nice and seemed genuinely interested in every single one of us.
One sad part is when every single person sitting at Georges Laraque's table got up at the same time to go wait in line and he was stuck there sitting by himself.
Looking back I think I took for granted that the greatest hockey player of all time was the coach and the fans had access to him. Even though I thought he was a terrible coach, he was a great player.
I had the jersey framed and it is still hanging in my living room.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Arizona Republic Response
I emailed the sports editor on the Arizona Republic about the lack of Coyotes coverage and this is the response I received.
"This will answer several e-mails I’ve received about our lack of staff road coverage for the Phoenix Coyotes.
We value the Coyotes and know they have loyal fans. But we have to make tough decisions about how best to use our resources to cover a myriad of sports in a crowded sports marketplace. At this time our policy with the Coyotes remains the same – we don’t expect to be able to travel with them. As the end of the regular season nears, and they appear headed toward the playoffs, then we will re-evaluate.
We are taking steps to minimize the impact of this decision by supplementing wire content with occasional staff stories on off days while the team is away – for example, reaching out to coaches and players on the phone when warranted.
Some have suggested that since the NBA is in lockout, we should reallocate travel money normally used on the Suns. That’s not relevant because we have to be prepared to react in case some form of a season still takes place. Also, we face new expenses in 2012, such as the Summer Olympics, that have to be considered.
Thanks for taking the time to share your concerns.
Mark Faller
Sports editor
The Arizona Republic | azcentral.com"
"This will answer several e-mails I’ve received about our lack of staff road coverage for the Phoenix Coyotes.
We value the Coyotes and know they have loyal fans. But we have to make tough decisions about how best to use our resources to cover a myriad of sports in a crowded sports marketplace. At this time our policy with the Coyotes remains the same – we don’t expect to be able to travel with them. As the end of the regular season nears, and they appear headed toward the playoffs, then we will re-evaluate.
We are taking steps to minimize the impact of this decision by supplementing wire content with occasional staff stories on off days while the team is away – for example, reaching out to coaches and players on the phone when warranted.
Some have suggested that since the NBA is in lockout, we should reallocate travel money normally used on the Suns. That’s not relevant because we have to be prepared to react in case some form of a season still takes place. Also, we face new expenses in 2012, such as the Summer Olympics, that have to be considered.
Thanks for taking the time to share your concerns.
Mark Faller
Sports editor
The Arizona Republic | azcentral.com"
Friday, October 21, 2011
Phoenix Coyotes Marketing
I have been a full season ticket holder for the Phoenix Coyotes for 9 seasons now and I have seen marketing campaigns come and go over the years. We have had everything from Pierre the hockey playing puppet that looked like he just got his ass kicked to the Don't Blink campaign last season that I thought was a total failure.
I understand that the marketing budget comes from the owner of the team and the current owner is the NHL so the team is limited in what they can and can't do.
Here is an idea though, why not ask the fans. Ask the fans what they want to see happen at the games, what kinds of ads they think will bring people into the door and in the seats. Who better to ask than the people that are passionate about the sport and have to spend their money to attend these games. If I was asked, I certainly would have told the team that fans would much rather have a bobblehead of Keith Yandle or Martin Hanzal rather than a rock star or US Senator.
I am sure there is great value in having someone with an expensive marketing degree and sports experience calling the shots in the end, but what bad would come out of asking the fans?
Here are some quick ideas for the team:
How many times do you see lots of empty suites at the games? I can't think of many better ways to get people in the door than giving away some suites throughout the season. Chances are that someone who won a suite would bring 11 others, some of which might never have gone to a hockey game before and after being to a game, would consider going again.
Have Facebook and/or twitter contests where people who retweet or post something on their wall would be entered to win a suite. It would be very easy to set up a ticket referral program where each person has a unique link and every person they send there and sells a ticket would be entered in the contest to win a suite. Throw in a food credit to sweeten the prize.
Wouldn't the team rather have 12 people in a suite rather than leaving it empty?
So how about the team sets up a web page on the Coyotes site where fans can send in their suggestions. There are COUNTLESS things the organization can do that would cost little to nothing. The team needs more fans in the seats and current fans really need the chance to voice their opinion.
I understand that the marketing budget comes from the owner of the team and the current owner is the NHL so the team is limited in what they can and can't do.
Here is an idea though, why not ask the fans. Ask the fans what they want to see happen at the games, what kinds of ads they think will bring people into the door and in the seats. Who better to ask than the people that are passionate about the sport and have to spend their money to attend these games. If I was asked, I certainly would have told the team that fans would much rather have a bobblehead of Keith Yandle or Martin Hanzal rather than a rock star or US Senator.
I am sure there is great value in having someone with an expensive marketing degree and sports experience calling the shots in the end, but what bad would come out of asking the fans?
Here are some quick ideas for the team:
How many times do you see lots of empty suites at the games? I can't think of many better ways to get people in the door than giving away some suites throughout the season. Chances are that someone who won a suite would bring 11 others, some of which might never have gone to a hockey game before and after being to a game, would consider going again.
Have Facebook and/or twitter contests where people who retweet or post something on their wall would be entered to win a suite. It would be very easy to set up a ticket referral program where each person has a unique link and every person they send there and sells a ticket would be entered in the contest to win a suite. Throw in a food credit to sweeten the prize.
Wouldn't the team rather have 12 people in a suite rather than leaving it empty?
So how about the team sets up a web page on the Coyotes site where fans can send in their suggestions. There are COUNTLESS things the organization can do that would cost little to nothing. The team needs more fans in the seats and current fans really need the chance to voice their opinion.
Monday, October 17, 2011
2012 NHL UFA List
I know, I know, I am looking way too far ahead, BUT here is some notable players who will be unrestricted free agents after this season.
Alexander Semin
Ryan Smyth
Nick Lindstrom
Zach Parise - i personally would love to have him on the Yotes.
Jaromir Jagr
Saku Koivu
Jordin Tootoo
Sami Lepisto
Al Montoya
This is just a very short list, you can see the rest here.
2012 UFA List
Here is a list of the Coyotes whose contracts expire after this season.
Shane Doan - UFA
Daymond Langkow - UFA
Ray Whitney - UFA
Taylor Pyatt - UFA
Patrick O'Sullivan - UFA
Kyle "El Chupacabra" Chipchua - RFA
Petteri Nokelainen - RFA
Michal Rozsival - UFA
Adrian Aucoin - UFA
Chris Summers - RFA
In my opinion, Doan will be signed to a contract that will have him here for the rest of his playing days soon after Jamison takes over the team.
Alexander Semin
Ryan Smyth
Nick Lindstrom
Zach Parise - i personally would love to have him on the Yotes.
Jaromir Jagr
Saku Koivu
Jordin Tootoo
Sami Lepisto
Al Montoya
This is just a very short list, you can see the rest here.
2012 UFA List
Here is a list of the Coyotes whose contracts expire after this season.
Shane Doan - UFA
Daymond Langkow - UFA
Ray Whitney - UFA
Taylor Pyatt - UFA
Patrick O'Sullivan - UFA
Kyle "El Chupacabra" Chipchua - RFA
Petteri Nokelainen - RFA
Michal Rozsival - UFA
Adrian Aucoin - UFA
Chris Summers - RFA
In my opinion, Doan will be signed to a contract that will have him here for the rest of his playing days soon after Jamison takes over the team.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Stanley Cup Odds 2011-2012
Here are the current odds to win the cup according to BoDog.
Vancouver Canucks - 7/1
Washington Capitals - 7/1
Boston Bruins - 10/1
Pittsburgh Penguins - 10/1
San Jose Sharks - 10/1
Philadelphia Flyers - 11/1
Chicago Blackhawks - 12/1
Detroit Red Wings - 12/1
Los Angeles Kings - 14/1
Buffalo Sabres - 18/1
Tampa Bay Lightning - 18/1
Anaheim Ducks - 25/1
Montreal Canadiens - 25/1
Nashville Predators - 30/1
New Jersey Devils - 30/1
New York Rangers - 30/1
St. Louis Blues - 35/1
Calgary Flames - 40/1
Dallas Stars - 40/1
Phoenix Coyotes - 40/1
Carolina Hurricanes - 45/1
Edmonton Oilers - 50/1
Toronto Maple Leafs - 50/1
Winnipeg Jets - 60/1
Colorado Avalanche - 65/1
Columbus Blue Jackets - 75/1
Florida Panthers - 75/1
Minnesota Wild - 75/1
Ottawa Senators - 75/1
New York Islanders - 80/1
Vancouver Canucks - 7/1
Washington Capitals - 7/1
Boston Bruins - 10/1
Pittsburgh Penguins - 10/1
San Jose Sharks - 10/1
Philadelphia Flyers - 11/1
Chicago Blackhawks - 12/1
Detroit Red Wings - 12/1
Los Angeles Kings - 14/1
Buffalo Sabres - 18/1
Tampa Bay Lightning - 18/1
Anaheim Ducks - 25/1
Montreal Canadiens - 25/1
Nashville Predators - 30/1
New Jersey Devils - 30/1
New York Rangers - 30/1
St. Louis Blues - 35/1
Calgary Flames - 40/1
Dallas Stars - 40/1
Phoenix Coyotes - 40/1
Carolina Hurricanes - 45/1
Edmonton Oilers - 50/1
Toronto Maple Leafs - 50/1
Winnipeg Jets - 60/1
Colorado Avalanche - 65/1
Columbus Blue Jackets - 75/1
Florida Panthers - 75/1
Minnesota Wild - 75/1
Ottawa Senators - 75/1
New York Islanders - 80/1
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Phoenix Coyotes goodbye letter from Matt Hulsizer
Heather & Members of the Booster Club,
I am very sorry to confirm to you that we have pulled out of the Coyotes process. My family and I had fallen in love with the team and with Arizona but it was just not meant to be. I want to thank you all for your support over the last 9 months; it meant a lot to us.
As disappointed as I am, I urge you to keep the faith. The Coyotes are a great team with a great coach and a great GM. The team is also doing much better financially than it was a year ago. There is a lot of time and a lot of interest in the club and all the potential owners are counting on your continued support.
While I am sorry that it didn't work for us, I am certain that hockey can work in Arizona.
All the Best,
-matt
I am very sorry to confirm to you that we have pulled out of the Coyotes process. My family and I had fallen in love with the team and with Arizona but it was just not meant to be. I want to thank you all for your support over the last 9 months; it meant a lot to us.
As disappointed as I am, I urge you to keep the faith. The Coyotes are a great team with a great coach and a great GM. The team is also doing much better financially than it was a year ago. There is a lot of time and a lot of interest in the club and all the potential owners are counting on your continued support.
While I am sorry that it didn't work for us, I am certain that hockey can work in Arizona.
All the Best,
-matt
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Matchup Odds for the Cup Finals
Here are the odds on Bodog.com for matchups in the finals for the Stanley Cup.
Washington Capitals vs. Phoenix Coyotes 50/1
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Phoenix Coyotes 80/1
Boston Bruins vs. Phoenix Coyotes 85/1
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Phoenix Coyotes 80/1
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Phoenix Coyotes 150/1
Montreal Canadiens vs. Phoenix Coyotes 225/1
Buffalo Sabres vs. Phoenix Coyotes 225/1
New York Rangers vs. Phoenix Coyotes 250/1
And odds to win MVP of the playoffs
Keith Yandle 200/1
Washington Capitals vs. Phoenix Coyotes 50/1
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Phoenix Coyotes 80/1
Boston Bruins vs. Phoenix Coyotes 85/1
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Phoenix Coyotes 80/1
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Phoenix Coyotes 150/1
Montreal Canadiens vs. Phoenix Coyotes 225/1
Buffalo Sabres vs. Phoenix Coyotes 225/1
New York Rangers vs. Phoenix Coyotes 250/1
And odds to win MVP of the playoffs
Keith Yandle 200/1
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Who to clap for
When the sale of the Phoenix Coyotes is all said and done, and all the papers are signed, sealed, and delivered all the fans will stand and applaud.
I hope every single hockey fan and person clapping realize who they SHOULD be clapping for.
Applaud the person standing next to you who went went through the same heart-wrenching ups and downs as you did. Applaud for the fan who sits next to you that also spent $5000 on season tickets over the past few years and has invested more time into their team than some parents invest into their children's education. Applaud to the couple who decided to come to their first hockey game because they were at Westgate and found they could get a couple of tickets for under $40. Applaud for the people who have had season tickets since 1996, stuck with the team through everything.
Applaud for the person whose first game was seeing Shane Doan get 2 goals in a game and then hit the goal post TWICE to be denied his first hat trick.
Applaud for the fan whose favorite Coyote moment was seeing Krys Kolanos dismantle a HOF goalie on a penalty shot.
Whoever you clap for, make DAMN sure you know that every fan, went through the exact same thing as you with the ownership saga. They ALSO spent their hard earned money on tickets, survived the Gretzky era, and stuck with the team.
I hope every single hockey fan and person clapping realize who they SHOULD be clapping for.
Applaud the person standing next to you who went went through the same heart-wrenching ups and downs as you did. Applaud for the fan who sits next to you that also spent $5000 on season tickets over the past few years and has invested more time into their team than some parents invest into their children's education. Applaud to the couple who decided to come to their first hockey game because they were at Westgate and found they could get a couple of tickets for under $40. Applaud for the people who have had season tickets since 1996, stuck with the team through everything.
Applaud for the person whose first game was seeing Shane Doan get 2 goals in a game and then hit the goal post TWICE to be denied his first hat trick.
Applaud for the fan whose favorite Coyote moment was seeing Krys Kolanos dismantle a HOF goalie on a penalty shot.
Whoever you clap for, make DAMN sure you know that every fan, went through the exact same thing as you with the ownership saga. They ALSO spent their hard earned money on tickets, survived the Gretzky era, and stuck with the team.
Odds to win it all
According to the sports betting website bodog.com, here are some odds of the teams that are higher than the Phoenix Coyotes 28/1 to win the Stanley Cup. While certainly on paper the Flyers DO have better odds to win it all, I have to seriously disagree with the Kings having better odds to win it all.
Boston Bruins 10/1
Chicago Blackhawks 16/1
Detroit Red Wings 8/1
Los Angeles Kings 20/1
Montreal Canadiens 25/1
Philadelphia Flyers 6/1
Pittsburgh Penguins 11/1
San Jose Sharks 12/1
Tampa Bay Lightning 16/1
Vancouver Canucks 4/1
Washington Capitals 7/1
Boston Bruins 10/1
Chicago Blackhawks 16/1
Detroit Red Wings 8/1
Los Angeles Kings 20/1
Montreal Canadiens 25/1
Philadelphia Flyers 6/1
Pittsburgh Penguins 11/1
San Jose Sharks 12/1
Tampa Bay Lightning 16/1
Vancouver Canucks 4/1
Washington Capitals 7/1
Friday, March 18, 2011
LaBarbara in Vancouver
We all know LaBarbara can play well most of the time on the road and we know he plays well against the Canucks, but his performance tonight was stellar. There were some AMAZING saves and the 5-3 against the best PP in the league was amazing.
So here is my thought. I know it is his job to win and I know he already makes a lot of money, but if we end up winning the Pacific by 1 or 2 points, they boys need to all chip in and buy him an awesome gift for the game he had tonight.
$2000 a person is not too much money for NHL'ers and that would come out to about 42,000 total. That would be some awesome gift.
Just my 2 cents.
So here is my thought. I know it is his job to win and I know he already makes a lot of money, but if we end up winning the Pacific by 1 or 2 points, they boys need to all chip in and buy him an awesome gift for the game he had tonight.
$2000 a person is not too much money for NHL'ers and that would come out to about 42,000 total. That would be some awesome gift.
Just my 2 cents.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Goldwater Telephone Town Hall
I am a Glendale resident and the phone rang tonight with a Washington DC area code. I picked up because for some reason I hoped it was Barack Obama offering me a job.
A recording of Darci Olsen from the Goldwater Institute telling me that there was a telephone town hall going on where they were taking callers so they can ask questions about the deal between the City of Glendale and Matthew Hulsizer.
The entire program sounded like a set up and both Darci and Clint were reading from a script. There were 7-8 callers with only 2 of them from Glendale. The others were from Kingman, Oro Valley (2), Scottsdale, and Phoenix. The seemed to know exactly what the caller was going to ask or say before the call came on "live" because their responses were quick and to the point.
When the callers said what could they do about this travesty, Darci gave out the phone number for the Glendale City Counsel at least 7 times. Telling everyone to call them and say NO.
They used the language of we THINK it might be illegal and it APPEARS the Glendale already owns SOME of the parking rights. They continued to call Matt Hulsizer a very wealthy businessman from Chicago.
When the tea partier called, everything she said was being read from a script and Darci slammed Glendale for only allowing 50 people in a meeting they are having tomorrow and GWI should be praised for letting everyone be heard on their "live" town tonight.
The last caller was from Oro Valley and all she said was what can I do about this horrible injustice going on? Darci said call the CoG and voice your concern.
After the call I was transferred to a voicemail where I could leave a message and GWI WOULD call me back within 48 hours and answer my questions.
A recording of Darci Olsen from the Goldwater Institute telling me that there was a telephone town hall going on where they were taking callers so they can ask questions about the deal between the City of Glendale and Matthew Hulsizer.
The entire program sounded like a set up and both Darci and Clint were reading from a script. There were 7-8 callers with only 2 of them from Glendale. The others were from Kingman, Oro Valley (2), Scottsdale, and Phoenix. The seemed to know exactly what the caller was going to ask or say before the call came on "live" because their responses were quick and to the point.
When the callers said what could they do about this travesty, Darci gave out the phone number for the Glendale City Counsel at least 7 times. Telling everyone to call them and say NO.
They used the language of we THINK it might be illegal and it APPEARS the Glendale already owns SOME of the parking rights. They continued to call Matt Hulsizer a very wealthy businessman from Chicago.
When the tea partier called, everything she said was being read from a script and Darci slammed Glendale for only allowing 50 people in a meeting they are having tomorrow and GWI should be praised for letting everyone be heard on their "live" town tonight.
The last caller was from Oro Valley and all she said was what can I do about this horrible injustice going on? Darci said call the CoG and voice your concern.
After the call I was transferred to a voicemail where I could leave a message and GWI WOULD call me back within 48 hours and answer my questions.
My thoughts on the Ducks and Honda Center
So I had the wonderful and amazing opportunity to attend the Phoenix Coyotes away game in Anaheim on March 13th. Myself and 2 friends, Jeff and Dave hopped into my truck and set out for LaLa land at 9am.
After a couple of quick stops including wrapping my lips around a straw to experience the pure bliss of my first date shake at Hadley's, we made it to the Honda Center. Pretty easy to get to right off the freeway and getting into the parking lot was easy.
We went into the arena and the first think that was noticed was how different it is from the Job. The lower level is very small, I would say only 18 rows or so and the upper level is huge. Speaking of huge, my ass falls under that category because the seats are a bit small. I then remembered we are in Los Angeles, home of the small asses.
Anyway, great game and 99% of the Duck fans were great. We had great people sitting right by us that were really nice and joked around with us. When Fiddler got hurt some ass behind us yelled something along the lines of HAHA, you deserve it. Save by another duck fan near us that said, don't worry, that guy is always a dick. Must have been the same fan who said "Doan is a dick" at the end when he hit the empty netter.
So in terms of fans being nice to us, it had to be the top out of all the places I have been. This is probably due to me being very few places and those places were really crappy to opposing fans.
Traffic getting out of there was HORRIBLE and we are spoiled with our awesome arena. Drive home was super fun, but that is an entirely different post.
After a couple of quick stops including wrapping my lips around a straw to experience the pure bliss of my first date shake at Hadley's, we made it to the Honda Center. Pretty easy to get to right off the freeway and getting into the parking lot was easy.
We went into the arena and the first think that was noticed was how different it is from the Job. The lower level is very small, I would say only 18 rows or so and the upper level is huge. Speaking of huge, my ass falls under that category because the seats are a bit small. I then remembered we are in Los Angeles, home of the small asses.
Anyway, great game and 99% of the Duck fans were great. We had great people sitting right by us that were really nice and joked around with us. When Fiddler got hurt some ass behind us yelled something along the lines of HAHA, you deserve it. Save by another duck fan near us that said, don't worry, that guy is always a dick. Must have been the same fan who said "Doan is a dick" at the end when he hit the empty netter.
So in terms of fans being nice to us, it had to be the top out of all the places I have been. This is probably due to me being very few places and those places were really crappy to opposing fans.
Traffic getting out of there was HORRIBLE and we are spoiled with our awesome arena. Drive home was super fun, but that is an entirely different post.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
List of Wesgate Businesses
Here is a listing of the businesses at Westgate. Call, Write, Visit these people so they get involved in the fight against Goldwater Institute.
AMC WESTGATE 20
9400 West Hanna DriveGlendale, Arizona 85305
(623) 772-1371
www.amctheatres.com
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Wednesday, March 9, 2011
The lies about losing money
In response to Darcy Olsen saying that the Phoenix Coyotes have lost money ever since they have been here is a little deceiving.
When the Coyotes arrived they were playing at Us Airways Arena. This arena was not built for hockey and it had 4000 obstructed view seats where you could not see one of the goals. As far as I can remember, those tickets were $5. The team could not sell luxury suites and did not get a cut from the food and drink. Of course any team would lose money in that situation.
When the team moved to Glendale and was owned by Jerry Moyes the product on the ice was not great and here are the other things that contributed:
1. Jerry Moyes required the team to use swift transportation for travel, a company that he owns. He was able to charge MUCH more than it would usually cost for these services. He also supposedly owned the building where the offices were located and he was charging high rent for the offices there. That means he was charging one of this companies(Coyotes) and putting that money right back into another one of his companies(Swift).
While I agree that the Coyotes have probably lost some money, I do not agree that it is the tens of millions each year that they say it is.
When the Coyotes arrived they were playing at Us Airways Arena. This arena was not built for hockey and it had 4000 obstructed view seats where you could not see one of the goals. As far as I can remember, those tickets were $5. The team could not sell luxury suites and did not get a cut from the food and drink. Of course any team would lose money in that situation.
When the team moved to Glendale and was owned by Jerry Moyes the product on the ice was not great and here are the other things that contributed:
1. Jerry Moyes required the team to use swift transportation for travel, a company that he owns. He was able to charge MUCH more than it would usually cost for these services. He also supposedly owned the building where the offices were located and he was charging high rent for the offices there. That means he was charging one of this companies(Coyotes) and putting that money right back into another one of his companies(Swift).
While I agree that the Coyotes have probably lost some money, I do not agree that it is the tens of millions each year that they say it is.
Who is affected if the Coyotes leave Phoenix
Here is a list I made of the people and companies that will be affected if the Phoenix Coyotes leave.
The Players - Players who have homes here and spend their millions here will no longer live here and spend money here.
The Fans
The people who clean the arena after the games
the people who work at the ticket window
the security that works the games
the ushers that work at the games
the company that does the food service
the company the provides all the food service items sold at the game
the beer distributor who supplies the beer
the brewers who brew said beer
The companies and people who own all the businesses at Westgate.
The supplies who supply goods to all the businesses at Westgate
The taxi drivers who take people home after spending money on alcohol at Westgate
The people who own property at Westgate
The local ice rinks that depend on hockey interest
The utility companies who provide power to the arena and surrounding area
the people who work for all these companies
The gas stations who get customers when people drive to the games
The residents of Glendale who will have MANY services cut because Glendale will still have to pay off the arena even if there is no tenants.
The hotels that provide beds for some teams and tons of visiting fans.
ALL the services related to the hotels including food, drink, linen service, cleaning supplies, and utilities.
ALL THE EMPLOYEES that work for all these businesses.
The Players - Players who have homes here and spend their millions here will no longer live here and spend money here.
The Fans
The people who clean the arena after the games
the people who work at the ticket window
the security that works the games
the ushers that work at the games
the company that does the food service
the company the provides all the food service items sold at the game
the beer distributor who supplies the beer
the brewers who brew said beer
The companies and people who own all the businesses at Westgate.
The supplies who supply goods to all the businesses at Westgate
The taxi drivers who take people home after spending money on alcohol at Westgate
The people who own property at Westgate
The local ice rinks that depend on hockey interest
The utility companies who provide power to the arena and surrounding area
the people who work for all these companies
The gas stations who get customers when people drive to the games
The residents of Glendale who will have MANY services cut because Glendale will still have to pay off the arena even if there is no tenants.
The hotels that provide beds for some teams and tons of visiting fans.
ALL the services related to the hotels including food, drink, linen service, cleaning supplies, and utilities.
ALL THE EMPLOYEES that work for all these businesses.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Hey you with the Flag, yea you asshole
As the Coyotes were honoring a war hero at the game tonight, a fan of the opposing team went behind the honoree with a flag of the opposing team and started waving it around to be on the camera.
This might be one of the most disgusting things I have ever seen at a game. The man who was being honored is in the military, he has put HIS life on the line to protect yours. He is willing to take a bullet and DIE to be sure that you can go to a hockey game. I certainly can't think of anything more selfless than joining the military and fighting for people you have never even met.
You should have been kicked out of the game and if I was sitting near you, I would have gladly been kicked out of the game to punch you in the fucking face. You are a disgrace to humankind and karma is a bitch so I am pretty sure you are going to die a slow and painful death. When a vet is being honored, you better shut the fuck up and pay your respects.
This might be one of the most disgusting things I have ever seen at a game. The man who was being honored is in the military, he has put HIS life on the line to protect yours. He is willing to take a bullet and DIE to be sure that you can go to a hockey game. I certainly can't think of anything more selfless than joining the military and fighting for people you have never even met.
You should have been kicked out of the game and if I was sitting near you, I would have gladly been kicked out of the game to punch you in the fucking face. You are a disgrace to humankind and karma is a bitch so I am pretty sure you are going to die a slow and painful death. When a vet is being honored, you better shut the fuck up and pay your respects.
Hockey Bets
I am no expert in betting on hockey games AT ALL, but sometimes it is fun to put down a few,(and I really mean a few) dollars on some ridiculous bet that may or may not hit. Something like a 6 team parlay with the over/under attached. Putting 3-4 bucks on something like that would pay back $3000-$5000 dollars.
Of course everything has to go exactly to plan. So here are my picks for tonight.
Flyers win by 2
Devils win by 2
Blackhawks win by 2
Sabers win
Sharks win with more than 5 goals in the game
Wild Win
Islanders Win
Over 5 goals in the MTL/BOS game
So yea, that is pretty crazy for all that to go right, but for 3 bucks, it is worth it and I have hit a $3 bet like that before so I am still WAY ahead.
Of course everything has to go exactly to plan. So here are my picks for tonight.
Flyers win by 2
Devils win by 2
Blackhawks win by 2
Sabers win
Sharks win with more than 5 goals in the game
Wild Win
Islanders Win
Over 5 goals in the MTL/BOS game
So yea, that is pretty crazy for all that to go right, but for 3 bucks, it is worth it and I have hit a $3 bet like that before so I am still WAY ahead.
My Phone Call from Ken Kendrick
Well I called Ken Kendrick in response to our emails traded yesterday and he called me back quite quickly.
I am not going to go into many of the details of what we talked about but I will say that I much more shifted on the side of there being no connection between the GWI lawsuit and the Diamondbacks other than his wife being on the GWI board.
He presented very good points about the legality of the Coyotes deal and who really owns the parking rights already. I remember from a long time ago reading that the city got a few dollars from each ticket for parking and that was one reason the Coyotes were not profitable.
He also asked me to be a guest of the Diamondback for an upcoming game.
I am not going to go into many of the details of what we talked about but I will say that I much more shifted on the side of there being no connection between the GWI lawsuit and the Diamondbacks other than his wife being on the GWI board.
He presented very good points about the legality of the Coyotes deal and who really owns the parking rights already. I remember from a long time ago reading that the city got a few dollars from each ticket for parking and that was one reason the Coyotes were not profitable.
He also asked me to be a guest of the Diamondback for an upcoming game.
My Email to Mayor Scruggs
Mayor Scruggs,
I have been a resident of Glendale for upwards of 3 decades. I attended Horizon, Landmark, Apollo, and GCC. I love Glendale very much and it has always been a part of my life. I have also been a season ticket holder since the team moved over to Glendale. It seems like there is so many threats and fighting over keeping the Coyotes here in Glendale and I have outlined some ideas to keep them here.
I know you are opposed to the Casino being built near Westgate, but I think you and the city needs to change your mind about the casino. There are 2 casinos just off the 101 on the east valley and they are beautiful buildings that add to the city. Residents are going to gamble no matter what anyone says, so it would be nice if we could keep those people over on the west side. I am pretty sure many of the retired folks living on the west side would welcome not having to drive across town for entertainment.
How about the tribe and the Coyotes come to an agreement where the city gives the casino its blessing only if the casino puts in the 100 million dollars and partners up with Matt Hulsizer?
This proposed casino will add 6000 construction jobs and 3000 full time jobs to the west valley and I am stunned that you are against jobs and progress. What if you strike a deal with the tribe to get a percentage of profits from the casino?
The Coyotes and the casino should be matched together with a partnership to have both here. They both can thrive at Westgate and Glendale can reap the benefits.
Please consider my thoughts as it would be devastating for the Coyotes to no longer be in Glendale.
Thanks,
Geoff
I have been a resident of Glendale for upwards of 3 decades. I attended Horizon, Landmark, Apollo, and GCC. I love Glendale very much and it has always been a part of my life. I have also been a season ticket holder since the team moved over to Glendale. It seems like there is so many threats and fighting over keeping the Coyotes here in Glendale and I have outlined some ideas to keep them here.
I know you are opposed to the Casino being built near Westgate, but I think you and the city needs to change your mind about the casino. There are 2 casinos just off the 101 on the east valley and they are beautiful buildings that add to the city. Residents are going to gamble no matter what anyone says, so it would be nice if we could keep those people over on the west side. I am pretty sure many of the retired folks living on the west side would welcome not having to drive across town for entertainment.
How about the tribe and the Coyotes come to an agreement where the city gives the casino its blessing only if the casino puts in the 100 million dollars and partners up with Matt Hulsizer?
This proposed casino will add 6000 construction jobs and 3000 full time jobs to the west valley and I am stunned that you are against jobs and progress. What if you strike a deal with the tribe to get a percentage of profits from the casino?
The Coyotes and the casino should be matched together with a partnership to have both here. They both can thrive at Westgate and Glendale can reap the benefits.
Please consider my thoughts as it would be devastating for the Coyotes to no longer be in Glendale.
Thanks,
Geoff
Monday, March 7, 2011
I emailed Ken Kendrick
I sent the owner of the Diamondbacks Ken Kendrick about the Coyotes situation and his wife being on the GWI board. I just took a stab at his email address as it seemed the email addresses were first initial and last name.
I received a response this morning and here it is. I do plan on calling him.
"I have always been and am still a big supporter of hockey in Arizona. Just ask the former owners of the Coyotes, Richard Burke and Jerry Moyes. While you are entitled to spend your money any way you wish, I find it sad that you believe a totally false rumor about my wife and her supposed opposition to the proposed deal in Glendale. Goldwater will make their decision to oppose or not based on the facts and she will not influence them, period. If she is included in a lawsuit, she will counter sue for false accusation and defamation of character. In case you have in any interest in the facts of this situation, feel free to call me at 602-462-6300. Ken Kendrick"
I received a response this morning and here it is. I do plan on calling him.
"I have always been and am still a big supporter of hockey in Arizona. Just ask the former owners of the Coyotes, Richard Burke and Jerry Moyes. While you are entitled to spend your money any way you wish, I find it sad that you believe a totally false rumor about my wife and her supposed opposition to the proposed deal in Glendale. Goldwater will make their decision to oppose or not based on the facts and she will not influence them, period. If she is included in a lawsuit, she will counter sue for false accusation and defamation of character. In case you have in any interest in the facts of this situation, feel free to call me at 602-462-6300. Ken Kendrick"
Sunday, March 6, 2011
My solution to Goldwater Institute
So it broke last night just a few minutes before the game that the city of Glendale was going to file a suit against the Goldwater Institute.
My quick solution would be for GWI to issue a public apology, send letters to investors stating they were wrong and this is a solid deal, and take out a full ad in the paper saying they were wrong. This should make the interest rates for the bonds drop and everyone would be happy.
Otherwise, I think the suit is solid and GWI will be in some deep trouble if they stick to their guns.
My quick solution would be for GWI to issue a public apology, send letters to investors stating they were wrong and this is a solid deal, and take out a full ad in the paper saying they were wrong. This should make the interest rates for the bonds drop and everyone would be happy.
Otherwise, I think the suit is solid and GWI will be in some deep trouble if they stick to their guns.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
The 3rd draft picks
So watching Kyle Turris play for the Phoenix Coyotes I was thinking I would see who else was chosen as the third pick in the draft over the last 20 years. There are some players on this list that have become amazing hockey players and with any prospect, there are players who never did shit in the NHL. I feel bad for Kyle because I think Gretzky rushed him to the NHL and did not allow for development. I really do hope he resigns with the yotes and comes back next year to score 35 goals.
Keith Primeau - 1990
Scott Niedermayer - 1991
Mike Rathje - 1992
Chris Gratton - 1993
Radek Bonk - 1994
Aki-Petteri Berg - 1995
J.P. Dumont - 1996
Olli Jokinen - 1997
Brad Stuart - 1998
Henrik Sedin - 1999
Marian Gaborik - 2000
Alexandr Svitov - 2001
Jay Bouwmeester - 2002
Nathan Horton - 2003
Cam Barker - 2004
Jack Johnson - 2005
Jonathan Toews - 2006
Kyle Turris - 2007
Zach Bogosian - 2008
Matt Duchene - 2009
Erik Gudbranson - 2010
Keith Primeau - 1990
Scott Niedermayer - 1991
Mike Rathje - 1992
Chris Gratton - 1993
Radek Bonk - 1994
Aki-Petteri Berg - 1995
J.P. Dumont - 1996
Olli Jokinen - 1997
Brad Stuart - 1998
Henrik Sedin - 1999
Marian Gaborik - 2000
Alexandr Svitov - 2001
Jay Bouwmeester - 2002
Nathan Horton - 2003
Cam Barker - 2004
Jack Johnson - 2005
Jonathan Toews - 2006
Kyle Turris - 2007
Zach Bogosian - 2008
Matt Duchene - 2009
Erik Gudbranson - 2010
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